59. Opportunity: Path to Prosperity
In this newsletter, I highlight TPPF's 2022 Policy Orientation, new 3-state Alliance for Opportunity initiative, top 10 things in Texas and U.S. economic situations, and COVID cases peaked in Texas.
Hello Friend,
Thank you for reading the latest Let People Prosper newsletter. I have a lot to share as it’s been a couple of weeks since the last newsletter, so let’s go!
Personal take: We’ve had a busy last few weeks with COVID-19 running through the family (first time for us, we’re fine) and things are getting closer to our baby girl getting here in April. We’re thankful for God’s many blessings.
I’m glad to be the policy director for the 3-state project called the Alliance for Opportunity with the Texas Public Policy Foundation, Georgia Center for Opportunity, and Pelican Institute (Louisiana). This is a poverty relief initiative through free-market, conservative reforms that focuses on the dignity of each person through work and the need for financial self-sufficiency rather than dependency on the government. Please check out our policy roadmap and share feedback. See the commentary below with my story. We will have more on this for specific policy priorities for Texas released very soon.
Hot take: TPPF has a bold agenda for Texans in the next session in 2023.
TEXAS & OTHER STATES ECONOMIES AND POLICIES
TPPF’s 2022 Policy Orientation (watch all panels) was a huge success!
My TPPF commentary on the Texas economy. (thread here)
Watch this PO panel on the Alliance for Opportunity ideas for poverty relief.
Check out my latest Ginn Economic Brief on Texas.
The minimum wage has reasonable intentions but terrible results.
Texas needs education freedom now! But unions keep fighting it.
Released the Responsible Alaska Budget with Alaska Policy Forum.
Watch a great panel on property taxes at TPPF’s PO 2022 (one-pager).
My TPPF commentary on how it is a bad idea to raise the minimum wage.
Kansas Policy Institute releases their 2023 Responsible Kansas Budget
U.S. ECONOMY AND POLICIES
Watch this TPPF 2022 Policy Orientation panel on the failure of Bidenomics.
Here’s my latest Ginn Economic Brief on the U.S. situation.
My co-authored Real Clear Policy commentary with Erik Randolph of GCO.
Don’t miss this thread on my Fox News commentary with Alex Salter.
Check out this thread on my Washington Times piece with E.J. Antoni.
Things keep getting worse for the Biden administration.
Latest GDP figures were well-below White House’s predictions.
The labor market has a long way to go to help people get back on their feet.
Price and wage controls hurt the people they’re meant to help most.
Let me finish with this one again published at IFS.
COVID-19 SITUATION
Latest info: TX DSHS Covid-related data here. The first 2 major waves had restrictions in place. Gov. Greg Abbott lifted state restrictions on Mar. 10, 2021, and blocked local restrictions on May 21, 2021. No need for government-mandated masks, vaccines, or shutdowns. Wave #4 (2021 Winter 2 Wave) has peaked so should be essentially over soon. Latest tweet.
Costly effects on kids from school closures.
The Twitter handle @therealarod1984 has done a great job forecasting COVID-19 data in Texas. Here is the summary of peaks in Texas.
Closing Thoughts
It’s time to end this wage control, or at least end the push it is a good policy.
My prayers this week are focused on this Bible verse.
Thank you for reading and sharing this newsletter. I pray that we continue to fulfill our God-given purpose and flourish. Many blessings to you and yours!
Overview of the Let People Prosper newsletter: We believe that an inclusive institutional framework with individual liberty, strong families, robust civil society, competitive capitalism, and a constitutional republic best supports abundant opportunities to relieve poverty and let people prosper. This prosperity isn’t just material but spiritual, psychological, etc. that satisfies human desires. Given this understanding and my experience and research as a free-market economist, I provide trusted views on economies and policies across America, especially Texas where I reside, and the COVID-19 situation.
Vance Ginn, Ph.D. | www.vanceginn.com | #LetPeopleProsper